floating on the surface
of my lake and of my mind
Monet, my lilies and I
together with my memories
of the stories that I heard
from my mother growing up
of her trip to New York City
as she was just a girl
and the time she went to MOMA
and stood at the foot of greatness
and was surrounded by Monet’s Lilies
on all sides from floor to ceiling
and
of the time I went to MOMA
with my brother
years later
and we stood at the foot of greatness
and were surrounded by Monet’s Lilies
on all sides from floor to ceiling
and
of the time I went to MOMA
with my family
years later
and we stood at the foot of greatness
and were surrounded by Monet’s Lilies
on all sides from floor to ceiling
and
a print of the Water Lilies
hung in Mom’s nursing home wall
so wherever she wanted
she could be at the foot of greatness
and be surrounded by Monet’s Lilies
on all sides from floor to ceiling
and
now that she is gone
that print hangs in Dad’s guest room
so whenever I visit
and can be surrounded by Monet’s Lillies
on all sides from floor to ceiling
and the layers of all visits
coalesce in greater beauty
and
Monet, my mother and I
float among the water lilies
on the surface of the lake
and on my mind
